7 Benefits of Ganoderma

What is Ganoderma?

Ganoderma, which is commonly known as the reishi mushroom, is a type of fungus that has been used medicinally for years, specifically in China.

Referred to as the “king of mushrooms” and the “mushrooms of immortality”, reishi mushrooms are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties and are often associated with longevity, better immune function and better mental focus.

Due to their bitter taste and hard texture reishi are not often used in cooking, however they are commonly sold in extracts, tablets and teas.

There is also reishi coffee now, in which coffee beans have been infused with the reishi mushroom for easy supplementation. It is important to note however that these coffee beans do still contain caffeine at relatively 9 milligrams per cup, which is significantly lower than most other coffee beans.

Over the years several studies have been conducted by China, Japan, the US and the UK, all of which have discovered that reishi mushrooms help to fight various illnesses and diseases such as:

inflammation

chronic fatigue syndrome

liver disease

food allergies

asthma

digestive issues

cancer

autoimmune disorders

diabetes

high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Benefits of Ganoderma

Rich in Antioxidants

Ganoderma is rich in potent antioxidants that help to protect the body from damaging free radicals. These free radicals, which come from a variety of sources such as pollution, sun and diet, can wreak on the body. Free radicals are responsible for degenerative and inflammation related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, early signs of aging and cancer.

Prevents Tumor Growth and Cancer

Thanks to the high level of antioxidants that are found in reishi mushrooms, it is very equipped to prevent tumor growth and fight cancer.

One antioxidant in particular, known as polysaccharides, is a an immune-modulating substance. This means that the polysaccharides found in reishi prevent cell mutations while also protecting healthy cells, thus defending the body from cancer growth.

In fact, reishi mushrooms have been used in cancer treatment studies and have been found to be effective in fighting breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer.

The study also revealed that patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments have had more effective treatments thanks to the inclusion of reishi along with traditional medicine.

While reishi has been shown to improve the efficiency of chemotherapy and radiation, it has also demonstrated the ability to ease side effects such as nausea and low immunity.

Improves Liver Function

Proper liver function is extremely important for a healthy body. The liver helps to clean, process, store and circulate healthy blood and nutrients from the foods that we eat.

Reishi are considered to be an adaptogen, which is a natural substance that helps the body to adapt to stress and helps to normalize bodily processes.

In this way reishi mushrooms can help to improve liver function and disease by helping to flush waste and toxins from the body more efficienttly.

Promotes Heart Health

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, reishi mushrooms are fantastic for heart health. Thanks to their ability to reduce inflammation within blood vessels and arteries, reishi mushrooms can help to combat clogged arteries and high cholesterol.

Reishi’s adaptogenic effects also aid in heart health, specifically in regards to high blood pressure or cholesterol that is caused by hormonal issues such as thyroid disorders.

Reishi mushrooms can help to balance hormone levels, thus improving any thyroid or hormonal issue, which will lead to a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Helps Balance Hormones

Reishi mushrooms help to balance hormones naturally through antioxidants and other compounds that are found within the mushroom. Often used to balance hormonal issues as well as diabetes and fatigue, reishi mushrooms can also help to improve fertility.

Fights Allergies

Reishi mushrooms are a fantastic natural allergy medicine. This is because of triterpenes, an active ingredient within reishi mushrooms that is tied to a reduction in allergies. Triterpenes are able to lower allergic reactions due to the way that they work within the immune system, protect the gut and digestive organs, lower inflammation, and inhibit histamine release.

Improved Immune System

Reishi mushrooms are naturally antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. The mushroom’s triterpenes again offer aid, protecting the body from microbial infections, viruses and infections.

Triterpenes have demonstrated in studies the ability to fight off bad bacteria, replenish good bacteria and help protect against any cell mutation that may develop.

Due to reishi’s ability to increase blood circulation, the mushroom may also help to fight off infections quicker, allowing for a faster recovery time.

How To Use Ganoderma

Most health food stores will sell ganoderma in either reishi mushroom extract, capsules or tea.

Also look for reputable brands and make sure that the product is produced in a certifed pure way so that you can be sure that you are getting the best product.

As with any product, be sure to read labels and only use the reishi according to package directions to avoid any possible side effects.